Maori Party Congratulates Australian of the Year

Maori Party co-leaders, Dr Pita Sharples and Tariana Turia, have today extended their enthusiastic greetings to veteran indigenous activist, Professor Mick Dodson of the Yawuru peoples in Western Australia.

“Professor Dodson’s name – and that of his brother, Patrick – go hand in hand with the key Aboriginal developments in Australia over the last quarter century” said Tariana Turia.

“Mick was the first Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner (1993-98); was Director of the Northern Land Council, and played a significant role in assisting the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody” said Mrs Turia.

“As Chair and founding member of the Australian Indigenous Leadership Centre, his influence has been profound – including the position as Co-Chair of Reconciliation Australia; and Chair of the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies”.

“While we in Aotearoa, have appreciated the special interest Professor Dodson has always held in the constitutional significance of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, we are aware that the breadth of his influence has also been felt across the globe” said Mrs Turia

“Mick has been a vigorous advocate for indigenous rights across the world” said Dr Sharples. “He has been represented in many of the core steering groups in the United Nations indigenous institutions, including as a member of the UN Permanent forum on indigenous issues”.

“This is a significant moment for Australia with Prime Minister Kevin Rudd’s acknowledgement of the importance of reconciliation between indigenous and non-indigenous Australians” said Dr Sharples.

“The recognition of Professor Dodson, as one of the authors of the Declaration on the Rights of indigenous peoples, is a sign for indigenous peoples across the globe, that Australia acknowledges the special significance of indigenous cultures and histories” said Dr Sharples.

“As we look forward to our own significant national day – Waitangi Day - we celebrate with indigenous peoples everywhere the honouring of Professor Dodson as the 2009 Australian of the Year” ended Dr Sharples.